- 66-1 Broadway Boy had been leading the Grand National for most of the race
- However, at the 27th furlong, the horse took a distressing fall, sparking concern
Broadway Boy suffered a distressing fall during the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, sparking concerns among fans.
The 66/1 horse had led for most of the race but took a worrying tumble at the 27th furlong in Saturday’s showpiece race and cameras immediately cut away from the distressing scene.
It had been jumping well previously and was ahead of the field, but as Broadway Boy tumbled, the horse appeared to fall upright on his front legs before his head appeared to crash into the ground.
Tom Bellamy, who was Broadway Boy’s jockey, also fell but appeared to land on his knees and fans were upset by what they had seen.
‘Sat breaking my heart over that fall from Broadway Boy,’ one emotional viewer posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Another added: ‘How can people watch and enjoy horse racing, that fall from ‘Broadway Boy’ was actually sickening.’
Broadway Boy suffered a distressing fall during the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday
Viewers quickly took to social media to express concern for the welfare of Broadway Boy
An extra viewer posted: ‘That has made me feel sick to the stomach after seeing Broadway Boy going down like that poor horse.’
A further fan chimed in with: ‘No one gives a s*** who won, we want to know how this beautiful horse is after his horrific fall ITV!!! Ffs’
The condition of Broadway Boy continued to be a major talking point as others piled in on the incident on social media.
One said: ‘People crying about their ‘luck’ cus they didn’t win a
Another added: ‘Sod the winner… poor BroadwayBoy #grandnational2025.’
An extra concerned viewer chimed in with: ‘All I want is to know if broadway boy is ok.’
ITV didn’t initially comment on Broadway Boy’s condition and were roundly criticised by viewers, before they provided an update at around 4.40PM.
ITV racing presenter Ed Chamberlin revealed that Broadway Boy and Celebre d’Allen were both being assessed on the course by expert veterinary teams – and pledged to give more updates when they follow.
The National started so positively for Broadway Boy, who is owned by Nigel Twiston-Davies – and he was soon ahead of the rest of the field.
ITV were criticised for not mentioning the fall for the remainder or in the immediate aftermath of the race. Much of the coverage centred around the winning horse, Nick Rockett, and the triumphant father-son duo of owner Willie Mullins and jockey Patrick Mullin.
Meanwhile, animal-welfare charity Animal Aid released a statement expressing their concern for Broadway Boy.
‘Animal Aid are disgusted and appalled that Broadway Boy suffered a horrific fall in the Grand National Race, and that the racing industry – rather than give the public an update on his wellbeing – had the gall to spout empty rhetoric about the ‘welfare’ of race horses.
‘The lack of information provided about the welfare of these horses is despicable and demonstrates the sheer lack of care the industry has towards these horses. This is ‘welfare-washing’, at its most insidious.’
It was later revealed that Celebre d’Allen was seen walking into the horse ambulance in a positive update, but at the time of writing, the condition of Broadway Boy was still unknown.
More to follow.
